Why regular balloons are such a terrible purchase, and beautiful eco-friendly balloon alternatives.
Why You Should Embrace Eco-Friendly Balloon Alternatives
Eco-friendly balloon alternatives are way nicer options anyway.
I was recently reminded why I have this thing about balloons (I hate them; I hate balloons). So whilst I was already feeling rage towards them, I thought I’d explain my reasoning – and try to convince you to join me in vetoing them!
I also have some excellent suggestions of eco-friendly balloon alternatives which are, in my opinion, way nicer options anyway.
Several years ago we took our daughter to a show. When we left the auditorium at the end, there were balloons for sale – and of course she wanted one. (Doing that to parents should be illegal.)
I really, really can’t stand them.
Here are the many reasons you should reject them too, plus a selection of beautiful alternatives you can enjoy instead!
11 Reasons I Hate Balloons – and So Should You
The stink of rubber makes me want to heave.
1. Commercialism
First up, the reminder to which I referred above was my three year old daughter’s inevitable crying for a piece of foil with Peppa Pig’s face on it. This is commercialism gone crazy and this year I’m boycotting the practice as far as I dare.
I intend to buy no balloons – zero! – and limit the number which find their way (via grandparents) into our home.
2. They smell
Oh god. The stink of rubber makes me want to heave. We all have our personal triggers and this is mine.
3. The expense
Not only is purchasing a balloon essentially shoring up the commercialism I detest, it’s also draining on our resources which could be better spent on wine and shoes family days out.
4. They’re pointless
What is the allure?
Not only is purchasing a balloon essentially shoring up the commercialism I detest and draining on our resources, it’s also completely flaming POINTLESS! What do you even do with a balloon?
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT?
5. They’re tacky
Unlike, say, glitter or fireworks, the point of balloons is not even that they’re a thing of beauty.
At least with the former there’s a dubious reason to suspend one’s morals – not so with balloons which are plain tacky. I don’t get the allure at all.
You basically put them somewhere to watch them die.
6. The hazard
Call me overprotective or a joy thief, but when you have a baby you have to be aware of every potential hazard. In my home at the moment, fluff on the floor is a legitimate hazard. A balloon popping is hazardous in not one but two separate ways:
- It could pop and hit my baby in the face;
- Arguably more serious: it could wake her up.
7. They’re inevitably a disappointment
Even if I relent and allow Pixie to have the annoyances, they don’t last, do they?
You basically put them somewhere to watch them die.
8. Clutter
Seriously – get the monstrous things out of my house.
9. Environmental impact
Once they’ve become even more pointless and are finally ready to be removed from floating around in my way, making me feel queasy – they go to landfill as balloon litter. Yay for landfill…
10. Danger to wildlife
Unless, of course, they don’t even make it that far, because deliberately or inadvertently, they’ve been released into the sky… only to make their way back down to earth.
In which case it’s no better than a bizarrely accepted form of littering – which ultimately becomes a threat to land animals and marine life.
11. They’re unethical across the board
Balloons are unethical on every level: commercial targeting of children; the effects on the environment and wildlife; the wanton extravagance of such unnecessary stuff.
Whose bright idea was it to make something with such little value but which hold such alluring wonder for our impressionable babies?
…But, what if you absolutely have to have colourful balloons?
What Balloons Are Eco Friendly?
Is there such a thing? Well, there are two types of balloons in general use: latex and mylar balloons. Let’s take a look…
Mylar Foil Balloons
Do not – please, just don’t. Commonly known as helium balloons and made from synthetic nylon with a metallic coating, these are not biodegradable balloons and should not be released.
But what about latex balloons?
You will for sure have seen latex balloons marketed as the eco option.
Because latex is rubber, and rubber is natural, ergo a biodegradable material – plus you will for sure have seen latex balloons marketed as the eco option, right?
Latex Balloons
Yeah, about that. Latex is better, definitely.
It will degrade – eventually. But it can take up to four years, and in the meantime it can lethal to wildlife. So while they’re an improvement on mylar, the natural latex variety are hardly ‘eco’ balloons.
Let’s just say no to all balloon releases.
Sadly, this is a form of greewashing, and not something I can recommend in good conscience.
Are Eco Friendly Balloons a Good Alternative to Regular Balloons?
Well if they’re truly eco then sure! But that’s the problem – more often than not, companies employ dubious greenwashing techniques to get people to part with their money, believing they’re doing the right thing. It’s wholly unethical, yet it’s also super common.
With that in mind, let’s just say no to all balloon releases.
Here are the only kind of balloons that are really okay when it comes to environmental impact…
Reusable Water Balloons
Perfect for water balloon fights in the summer, this is the only kind of balloon that could legitimately be considered an eco option. There are actually a couple of different types:
- Reusable water balls
This balloon is not really a balloon at all, but a highly absorbent cotton balls. You can get them here from Amazon:
- Crochet water balloons
Simply soak, and they’re good to go!
So what do you think – are you convinced? If you’re ready to make an eco swap, here are some excellent balloon alternatives to try…
11 Fabulous Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Balloons
There are so many other gorgeous options that there’s really no reason to go straight to the unimaginative default of balloons. The following options make perfect party decorations for birthday parties and other special occasions.
Here are a few of my favourite sustainable options for alternatives to balloons, many of which can be made into fun activities using scrap paper:
1. Paper Lanterns Are a Great Alternative to Balloons
Just to be crystal clear, I’m not referring to releasing sky lanterns.
While even I can appreciate the beauty and charm of a sky filled with lanterns (think Tangled), what goes up must come down, and therefore releasing lanterns is not an eco option.
However, having them dotted around your home or garden can be very pretty, and – bonus – they can be used again and again!
2. A Fun Alternative to Balloons? Bubbles!
What child doesn’t adore bubbles? There’s something a little bit magical about them, isn’t there, and they create such a fun atmosphere, especially when paired with a giant bubble wand!
Why not get the kids involved in helping you to make eco-friendly DIY bubble solution!
3. Paper Flowers As An Eco Alternative to Mylar Balloons
Another lovely little craft to do together! These can be created using a variety of bright colors and different techniques, and placed around the room or hung as pretty paper decorations.
4. Kites Make a Fab Substitute For Balloons
If you’re having a children’s party, why not consider gifting kites instead of sweets and plastic tat? My girls are so totally enthralled by a kite, no child would be disappointed with this eco alternative to balloons!
Alternatively, you could host an activity to create a recycled paper kite for a fun way to entertain the kids!
5. Be More Sustainable With Streamers Instead of Balloons
Another brilliant idea for garden parties – plus really simple for the little ones to get involved, be creative – and encourage some exercise afterwards too:
Colorful streamers are best displayed when in flight!
6. Tissue Paper Pompoms Are Prettier Than Balloons!
I love these for their versatility. They can either be used as table decorations, or they’re a super impressive sight when hung up.
So effective, gorgeously pretty, totally customisable to fit your colour scheme, and easy to make with the children – this one is a winner!
7. Paper Chains and Garlands Are a Fun Activity For the Kids
Again, you can rope children into helping to make crepe paper garlands or paper chains – and you can be as colourful as you like!
If you have a scheme, you can incorporate it – or go wild with a rainbow of colours.
8. Bunting and Banners Can Be Personalised and Used Again!
A favourite of mine because there’s so much scope for personalisation, and something my eldest loves to do with me! To make your own bunting you can use scraps of fabric, hand-drawn pictures, and different shapes to fit your party theme as you wish.
The only limitation here is your imagination.
9. Eco-Friendly Pinwheels Are a Lovely Alternative to Balloons
Yet another fun craft to do with the kids!
These are often found in shops – made of plastic, bleurgh. But that’s completely unnecessary – you can easily create beautiful paper pinwheels which are equally vibrant, yet also kind to the environment. Such a great option!
10. Fairy Lights Are an Effective Balloon Alternative For Parties
I’m such a fan of a beautiful string of fairy lights! So enchanting, especially at dusk.
Granted, plug-in ones may use electricity, and while this is preferable to endangering wildlife (in my opinion) – there’s an even better option…
If you’re partying in the garden, why not opt for solar fairy lights?!
11. Flower Petals Are a Truly Eco Substitute For Balloons
To be truly eco, why not scatter beautiful flower petals?
As you can see, there are sooo many wonderful alternatives to single use balloons, which are beautiful and environmentally friendly!